I am the mom of three wonderful kids. One is a teen-aged daughter, and my two sons are autistic. I have had fibromyalgia for about five years, but I finally was diagnosed about two years ago. I have declined at a rapid pace, and I finally had to stop working at a job that I really loved with a boss that was kind enough to educate herself on my condition and try to accommodate my needs. Unfortunately, it became too much. The daily pain is horrible, and I have to be so careful with medications to avoid dependency and addiction. I try a lot of diet and holistic treatments, but I have faced the fact that I will deal with this for the rest of my life. I am currently filing for disability, but I know the issues that are commonly faced during that process, so I am also researching programs that will help me to keep the family home. I hate to think of accepting charity, but I know that if I were in a position to give, I would gladly do so. I pray for everyone who is need, right now, and I hope that we are all able to help each other find the assistance that will be best for us. May you all be blessed!
If you have fibromyalgia, you know that life is 10 times harder. The complex chronic pain disorder affects every part of your day. So how can you cope? It's bad enough that you have fibromyalgia, a painful, puzzling disorder what's worse is that every symptom-- from brain fog to pain, fatique and depression-- hurts not only yourself but also your relationships, work life and physical, emotional and mental health. There's no cure, which means you just have to learn to live with fibromyalgia and take steps to ease its symptoms.
1. Start exercising.
Working out is great for everyone, but it can expecially help fibromyalgia suffers, who often feel stiffness (especially after waking in the morning) and restless leg syndrome. Exercising regularly-- whatever you can manage on a routine basis---can boost mood, ease pain, improve sleep, reduce fatique, improve circulation and strengthen your heart. Among recommended activities for fibromyalgia patients: stretching, walking, yoga, cycling, swimming, water aerobics and strength training.
2. Try various therapies.
Fibromyalgia patients suffer pain more intensely than other people do. They may feel it all over their body or in multiple tender points. Water therapy, light aerobics, application of heat or cold, accupuncture, and osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation have helped fibromyalgia patients, say the experts at the National Fibromyalgia Association. So has physical therapy.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
Eating lots of vegetables, fruits,whole grains, lean meats and dairy also will energize you, lower weight and improve overall health as you battle fibromyalgia.
The National Psoriasis Foundation
6600 SW 92nd Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97223
503.244.7404 www.psoriasis.org
The Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30309
800.283.7800 www.arthritis.org
Road Back Foundation
PO Box 447
Orleans, MA 02653
740.881.5601 www.roadback.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
301.495.4484
Toll-free: 1.877.22.NIAMS(226.4267)
TTY: 301.565.2966 www.niams.nih.gov
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
6300 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018-4262
1-847.823.7186 www.aaos.org
American College of Rheumatology
1800 Century Place, Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30345
404.633.3777 www.rheumatology.org
Association for Repetitive Motion Syndromes (ARMS)
PO Box 471973
Aurora, CO 80047-1973
303.369.0803 www.certifiedpst.com/arms
International Scleroderma Network
7455 France Ave. So #266
Edina, MN 55435
Toll-free: 1.800.564.7099 www.sclero.org
Scleroderma Research Foundation
220 Montgomery Street, Suite 1411
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: 414.834.9444
Fax: 415.834.9177
Toll-free: 1.800.441.CURE(2873) www.srfcure.org
Spondylitis Association of America
PO Box 5872
14827 Ventura Blvd., #222
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
818.981.1616
Toll-free: 1.800.777.8189 www.spondylitis.org
Arthritis National Research Foundation
200 Oceangate, Suite 830
Long Beach, CA 90802
Toll-free: 1.800.588.CURE (2873) www.curearthritis.org
Lupus Foundation of America
2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
202.349.1155 www.lupus.org
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
22100 Gratiot Ave.
E. Detroit, MI 48021
586.776.3900
Toll-free: 1.800.598.4668 www.aarda.org
International Stills Disease Foundation
1123 S. Kimbrel Ave.
Panama City, FL 32404 www.stillsdisease.org
The Myositis Association
1233 20th St. NW, Suite 402
Washington, DC 20032
202.887.0088 www.myositis.org
Takayasu’s Arteritis Research Association
2030 County Line Road, Suite 199
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
800.575.9390 www.takayasus.org
Vasculitis Foundation
PO Box 28660
Kansas City, MO 64188-8660
Toll-free: 1.800.277.9474 www.vasculitisfoundation.org
American Lyme Disease Foundation
PO Box 466
Lyme, CT 06371 www.aldf.com
Lyme Disease Foundation
P. O. Box 332
Tolland, CT 06084-0332
860.870.0070
24-hour Hotline: 1.800.866.LYME (5963) www.lyme.org
in response to ingrid.babygirl...Just to let you know that you are not alone. It helps to have others to talk about it and complain about it. The ones who don't know don't really care to know.
in response to Lo-Lo...Yes it is a great feeling to know others care about you and I do miss you. Good I hope the reading is well. I have to figure out bills before the mail person...lovely..you are in my heart thoughts and prayers to..
You are welcome and I think it was about net zero right?? I hope it is available there and peoplesomthing when I find it has it and aol might have it but i don't care for aol
That is wonderful!!! You have been walking each day and getting better you go girl. Things are the same here bills to pay and not enough coming in so off to get some food I am getting good at not eating in way..Same old thing here...great hearing from you and love to able to do a 9-5 job..love you and keep you in prayers Have a great week love and prayers to you
Guess what? I have actually been walking lately and getting better with it each day where i don't have to stop to catch my breath anymore. Pray that i'm able to keep it up and get some pounds off. I know that will make me feel better. It has already been helping with my sleep.
Besides that-- things are the same. I know they will eventually get better. Just keep praying for me because prayer is powerful.. I also keep you in my prayers as well.
in response to Starshine...It feels good to know that someone misses me and cares. What a good feeling. I miss you as well. I hope all is going well for you too. You all are always in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I got some good reading for you today.
By Lo-Lo - on Aug 31, 2010... modified on Aug 31, 2010
Posted in Lo-Lo
in response to Starshine...Thanks for the information. I will definitely do that as soon as i am able to get a telephone as well. I know i will need that to get the service. Great resource.
in response to Starshine...I don't know how to do that link stuff. However I think you could google NYS tax enforcement on Sept 1. Every one is antsy-hope all turns out OK.
Oh sweetie this is horrible. Do you have a link to a news article about it?? And your govenor says it will get bad and nothing can be done..What a bunch of nuts..This is terrible. I will keep you in my prayers and your family . I hope all goes well on the 1st and peace prevails. I never get to relax either, I haven't seen a movie in years at the show or rent one either. I love a day to just kick back but glad you aren't hurting today so that is great!!
in response to Starshine...I dont get to answer my friends as much as I like. First thing in the mornings I have my 2 year old grand daughter. It's been harder because of no water heater. It takes every penny I have to get by. Jesse will have expenses for school. Clothes cost a lot and he has to have a texas instument that cost 150.00. Then there will be pics on top of the usual of getting him to doctors.I now have to borrow a car. I might check into those sites to see if theres help. Thanks caring.
in response to Starshine...Hey-I still have it so far. I am hoping I can keep it. Say a prayer for this reservation I live on. The state of NY is supposed to come on the 1st of Sept and try to collect taxes. There are liable to be much violence. I fear for the safety of my family and all the people. The govenor said himself this is like to get violent and cause injury and death. The Indians lost in court on this issue for the first time. Looks like its going to happen. All I can do is trust God has every thing in his hands. I never get to relax-always something. At least today I dont hurt.
Hello honeyi am sorry no internet and I like to chuck mine if i didn't need it and use the one at computer class or the library . how about netzero they give or did 10 free hours of computer time for the internet...and juno did too. email me if you get the chance and keep in touch . miss hearing from you so much.
I really miss my internet. I am on a computer in the library. I miss you and everyone. I will try and keep in touch as much as possible. You are on my mind and in my heart as well. Take care until the next time.
in response to honeysuckle1...I am sorry to hear that you had a bad day with the fibro. You know that i know how you feel so i am sending you plenty of hugs and prayers from me that are coming your way.
I definintely feel you on this because my daughter has chronic asthma and is allergic to 50 airborne things which you cannot see. I thought she would grow out of it like my nephew did but she did not. She is 27 years old today and she continues to get ill 98% of her life. But i tell her how proud i am of her because she does not complain and she continues to live her life to the fullest. So don't give up and don't ever stop praying. I know you sometimes feel like you can just scream!!!! But cannot. As a mother we get our strength from the Lord but i we also need a break at times.
My son started having seizures in 2009 and he also has severe allergies. He has to go every week for allergy shots. We spend a lot of time at doctors and childrens hospital.He is severly allergic to every kind of bee and also tree pollen-mites-dogs-mice-roaches and almosy every thing. When we lived in Hawaii he was exposed to roaches as every one has them. He had pet mice too.By the time he is done with the shots he should have no life threatening allergies any more. In fact the specialists say his seizures could have been set off by allergies.
I am in chronic pain today. Don't feel like moving. I dread feeling this way. It seems like I can't make any plans. I woke up at 3 this morning and could not sleep. Tomorrow it is shots again for my son. I would love to have a day a week where I do nothing. Thats life and we deal with it. Still no water heater. I went to a friend here on the rez and she said I can get showers there. She was happy because I took her out for a drive. It wasnt my car though-just found out today my car died too. Cant be fixed. I dont like to get in this kind of mood. God will come through-I know he will.
in response to Lo-Lo...I guess I am fortunate as I don't have to buy my med's. I have SSI and medicaid goes with it. My check doesn't go far as I get no child support for my 14 year old. I also feed several other's who don't have job's. Mycheck is supposed to be for 1 person and I am feeding about 8 more or less on it. I also have a child who has seizures. Ther are appointment's at children's hospital and every week he get's shot's for severe allergies. I care for a 2 year old grand child while her mom work's. This all the while being in pain every day. I now have no hot water heater and that means heating water and carrying big kettles of water to bathe the grand child and doing dishes. We usually have someone who has a car on the road. I might have to give up my computer in order to buy a water heater. That means I wont be able to get the messages for doctor's and specialists. I also keep it so I can keep up with my son's school assignment's. I used to do it all year's agao without electic or water. Can't do it anymore. I get tired of it sometimes but when I see the problem's here-my run down trailer seems pretty good. I get to eat and have a place to live. Praise God.
I am sorry to hear that you appear to suffering as i do the same exact symptoms and more. The worst besides the constant pain is the lack of sleep. By the way i just had my primary doctor tell me last week how not having enough sleep is very bad and can cause some additional medical problems.
I am being treated by a pain doctor and have tried everything out there that pertains to fibro. He constantly reminds me that there is no cure for it. I will take whatever there is for quite a while and eventually become immune to it. I also am treated for depression and anxiety. My condition paralyzes me from having a social life or an active life.
I pray all of the time for a cure because i have more bad days then good and most of the time i feel so all alone because people who don't know about it or have experienced it just ignore you. Just because they can not see hurt on the outside doesn't mean they know what is going on the inside of us.
I continue to research it, i belong to the NFA(National Fibromyalgia of America). If you can try to get on that site. It is free. I also make copies of literature about it and give them to all of the people in my circle so that they can know about it and believe me that it exist. It is a shame that i have to do this. I still feel very alone and very ostrisized.
I am now on a library computer because I have lost just about everything trying to survive, buy medications, you name it. I am sure you understand. That really devastes me as well because i depended on my internet for alot of things. I also have no transportation to get to these places and no money for bus fair so i am taking advantage of it today. I will try and check back here as much as possible and you feel free to write me as much as you like. Take care and God Bless.
I have fibro too. Been trying to find info on how to improve it. It effect's your whole life. I never get sleep. I always have stress and anxiety. I huet all the time. On top of that I have a son who has seizure's. Glad to see some more info.
Thats something. They told you that you had fibro when you really had MS. I have often thought that I may possible either be misdiagnosed or have something in addition to the fibro.
MS is also very hard to deal with. I hope you will be okay.
Over 50% who have been diagnosed with fibromyalia do not actually have it.It is one the most misdiagnosed conditions.They end up having MS.I was told that that's what I had but in fact it was MS.Better ways of diagnose is now here.
Read the about the study of tanning beds to relieve the pain in fibromyalgia patients.
I was watching the news tonight at 11pm on KABC and one lady had pain so bad with her fibromyalgia that exercise wasn't helping and the medicines didn't agree with her. She tried tanning booth and it helped her pain. The dermatologist who recommended it to her knows it helps some patients but also said with anything you have to consider the risk as tanning booths do cause skin cancer.
Here is a little bit about it for those who might want to try something else for their fibromyalgia pain.
Ultraviolet light may help relieve pain in fibromyalgia syndrome patients, according to a preliminary study at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center conducted by dermatology, rheumatology, and public health sciences researchers.
See the link about ordering this and other free booklets on other subjects..
Fibromyalgia, Questions and Answers about
Reviewed 04/2009
This booklet contains general information about fibromyalgia. It describes what fibromyalgia is, its causes, and treatment options. Highlights of current research on fibromyalgia are also included.
NIH Publication No. 09-5326
Length: 26 pp.
Intended Audience:
Not listed
Quantity that can be ordered: up to 25 copies
This publication is in the public domain. It can be reproduced.
Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2
Language: English
To order by phone or inquire about bulk orders for health forums or fairs, please contact the NIAMS Information Clearinghouse at (877) 22-NIAMS (226-4267). The TTY (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) number is (301) 565-2966.
The feature on this Web site allowing visitors to change the size of the text relies on a cookie set on the visitor's computer to remember the text size chosen. If cookies are turned off in the visitor's browser, the text size will not be stored. However, this will not affect the functioning of the rest of the site. Cookies are not required to be able to place an order. There is no information stored in this cookie to identify the visitor. For more information, please see the NIAMS Privacy Policy.
My Dr. finally diagnosed me with Fibro after about 4 years of suffering and the uncertainty of not knowing what was going on with my body. I have done my own research on other symptoms and keep coming up with a form of Lupus called Discoid. I have these flares that cause blister in my head and sometimes on my face. I was also sent to a Rhuematologist who confirmed the Fibro. So any suggestions or help would be wonderful. I hope everything is going as well as can be expected for you hun. That Fibro pain alone kicks butt. Sincerely,
Nothing really relieves all of the pain. The meds merely takes the edge of the pain for me. Sometimes,"nothing helps". Especially when in a fibro crisis.
I just started taking a special "Omega 3" capsules. Its been 3 days now. I do feel a little better. My problem is finding something that will work for a while. Most things will make me feel a little better for about a week or two then its back to the same old pain.
in response to sheshe030...I love the I Love Lucy show and i have watched reruns of her over and over along with other comedy. i also love this site. i am financially strapped so someone suggested this site as a way to make money and friends. i have been on for quite awhile and have not as of yet to make any money but like yourself i have met nice people which is just as rewarding and refreshing. when reading your replies to me today that is exactly how it felt to me....refreshing. thanks for sharing your story and what you do to help maintain your sanity. I have heard of A New Earth but i have not read it. Maybe one day i'll be able to get a copy or check out at the public library. I have alot of books and once upon a time i loved reading. I try not to let my condition control me but most of the time it does and there goes the reading. i have about four i have started but yet to finish. i'm proud to have been on here as long as i have. good day. but getting tired and in pain so i'm getting off to rest and take meds. please keep in touch and God Bless you!!!!
in response to Lo-Lo...reply to LoLo:---You got it! Those are the same things that I was going to share with you. I don't have the list but the things that I have found by trial and error are about the same thing that you listed. Have you ever read the book by Eckhart Tolle named: A New Earth it changed my life when I read it last summer and I continue to use it for reference. He also wrote a small book called: Living in the Now and a smaller primer that I keep in my purse that contains small entrys from A New Earth book. I meditate and use visualization of light. Breathing is also very important if your trying to harness the energy of the pain into something positive. One of the best pain medications is laughter and lots of it especially during real bad days. I don't know about you but I love I Love Lucy shows and I watch them on my bad days. I can't help but just belly laugh at Lucy everytime I watch her. No matter how many times I see it I down right belly laugh at the grape stomping episode when Lucy and Ethel are trying to stomp grapes for wine making and the episode when Lucy trys to sell the vitamins and gets blasted and trys to say Vitamenavegamen or something to that affect. Everyone is different and through trial and error we all find what works for us. I to have to take meds but I take less than I did last year due to the things that I've found that work for me. I planted about 80 potted plants last spring and put them all on my deck which isn't very big and it resulted in huge areas of nothing but flowers and greenery intertwined all together and my deck became my sanctuary for prayer and meditation and I started doing yoga stretches and I could go an entire day without meds by just focusing on the flowers and the beauty of it all. Now that the flowers are all dead (the frost got them) I have to find something to replace the beauty of my deck. I have been watching Lucy eveyday and it helps but not as much as my deck did. I'm so sorry for rambling on but it's so nice to relate to someone that is dealing with the same thing that I do. Thankyou so much for sharing a portion of your life with me. sheshe030
By Lo-Lo - on Oct 1, 2009... modified on Oct 1, 2009
Posted in Lo-Lo
in response to sheshe030...Thank you so much for your love, concern and most of all understanding. Yes i really need someone to vent to because at times i feel like giving up. it gets that bad. Please keep in touch with me. i have more to come. by the way, are you taking Lyrica for the fibro? Again, thanks for responding and sharing your story. I will be praying for you.
By Lo-Lo - on Oct 1, 2009... modified on Oct 1, 2009
Posted in Lo-Lo
Here is something i found and would like to share with others who need some help and relief with chronic pain.
"10 SPIRITUAL TOOLS FOR COPING WITH CHRONIC PAIN"
by MAUREEN PRATT*
Chronic pain can make us feel isolated and helpless, especially if its cause is an illness or physical condition for which there is no cure or effective medical treatment. At times of deepest despair, finding ways to nuture our spirits can help us not only cope with the pain, but also discover nuggets of Grace, comfort, and productivity that can move us through and beyond the helplessness and hopelessness we feel. Here are ten spiritual tools that can help you get started toward peace in spite of and in the midst of pain.
1. Find Quiet
When we are in great pain, finding true peace and comfort is not easy. But it is possible, if we first try to still our worries and fears, both external and internal. Finding a place where there are no noisy distractions is a great start. Enjoying the outward quiet, we can then calm our inner selves and nurture peace within.
2. Just Breathe
The act of breathing is not only a physical process, but it can also be a tool to move our pain, negative thoughts, and worry out of our bodies and hearts, replacing these with a better sense of self. In a quiet place breathe in slowly and deeply, then let the breath out, expelling stress and pain with it. Feel the sharpness of pain subside as relaxation and calm takes its place.
3. Listen to Music
A beautiful piece of music can inspire our spirits and soothe our pain like no other sound. It can also help us get in touch with the absolute joy of living, even if we live with severe pain. Put on your favorite piece of music--instrumental or vocal--sit back, and close your eyes. Let the music carry you away from your immediate pain to a place of calm.
4. Lose yourself in prayer
So often when we pray, we ask for relief from our pain and leave it at that. Perhaps more effective when pain is oppressive is lifting up our pain and then resting quietly with the comfort that our concerns are being tended to by one greater than ourselves---and we do not have to take them back again.
5. Reflect in nature
Pain can isolate us and make us feel very much alone. But in reality, we are part of an amazing world. A walk in the outdoors, a glance outside at a garden, a quiet moment with a beloved pet - each of these things can renew our sense of belonging to the world, help us to feel less alone in our pain, and make us grateful for our lives among such wonder.
6. Laugh more
Pain itself is no laughing matter, but the act of laughing can be physically and spiritually healing. It helps us breathe deeply, cleanses tense pain from our bodies, gives key muscles beneficial exercise, and let us travel to an uplifting place of joy. Whether it's a joke, a cartoon, or the antics of a pet, find laughter and enjoy it often.
7. Reach out to others
When we are in pain, it can be easy to feel as if no one cares. But there are many in thee world who feel the same thing--and we can make a difference in our lives and in others lives by reaching out in comfort and care. A phone call to a hurting friend, a visit to someonme in need, even an email to an online support group -- all of these can help us become less isolated, and help others in the process.
8. Live in the light
It's easy for our souls to be flooded with darkness when pain is sharp and overwhelming. We can combat this darkness by bringing on light. The flicker of a candle, the warm glow of one small lamp illuminating a dark room-- light can help focus thoughts and bring comfort. Even in the darkness, be conscious, of the light all around and let it guide you to greater calm.
9. Take care of yourself
Often, there is no cure for what causes our pain. Then can make us feel that our lives are out of control. But the better we take care of ourselves the more we will feel at least a little control over our circumstances-- and our attitude toward pain. Taking time to follow a healthy regimen reflects on our spiritual health, too, and gives us a chance to rise above our pain and feel better -- inside and out.
10. Never lose hope
Each day, there are new developments in medicine and in therapies to ease pain, inside and out. Hope is not just a feeling that things will be better -- it is a tangible tool to motivate and guide us through the frustrations that accompany pain into positive actions that can make our lives better now and in the future. Without Hope our spirits wither. With hope, as with the Creator, all things are possible!
*Maureen Pratt is a speaker and author who focuses on spirituality, faith, and wellness. Her most recent book is "Peace in the Storm: Meditation on Chronic Pain & Illness".
reply to LOLO:---i thankyou for posting the realities of fibromyalgia, I have had it for over 15 years and when I started going to doctors for help I was told it was all in my head and to go home and exercise more. Fifteen years ago doctors weren't as enlighteded as they are today and fibromyalgia is considered a real and painful condition. I love that you wrote the symptoms of the disease as so many women are walking around with this pain and not getting the treatment they need and deserve. My god, you have been through the ringer haven't you. Reading your post made me want to cry because I know what it is like to take so many med that you become immune to them. I have chronic pancreatitus and rhumatoid arthritis but I had that before I was diagosed with fibromyalgia and it took me 0ver 10 years before I got a solid diagnosis for the disease. Several of our aidmates suffer from it as well, Friendshelpingfriends has lupus as well as fibromyalgia and she goes through hell and back with it. If there is anything I can do to help you in any way please let me know. Even if it is just to vent, I want to let you know that you are not alone with this horrible disease and you have a very attentive audience here that understands your pain. Sincerly sheshe030
By Lo-Lo - on Oct 1, 2009... modified on Oct 1, 2009
Posted in Lo-Lo
Definitions for pain, chronic pain and fibromyalgia:
PAIN: (1) unpleasant physical sensation: the acutely unpleasant physical discomfort experienced by somebody who is violently struck, injured, or ill.
(2) feeling of discomfort: a sensation of pain in a particular part of the body. ex. -complaining of pain in the lower abdomen such as back pain.
(3) emotional distress: severe emotional or mental distress (ex.) the pain of rejection.
(4) somebody or something troublesome that is extremly annoying or causes many problems.
CHRONIC PAIN: pain that continues or recurs over a prolonged period, caused by various diseases or abnormal conditions. Chronic pain may be less intense than acute pain. The person with chronic pain does not usually display increased pulse and rapid respiration because these autonomic reactions to pain cannot be sustained for long periods.
FIBROMYALGIA: a disorder causing aches and tiredness: a disorder causing aching muscles, sleep disorders and fatique, associated with raised levels of the brain chemicals that transmit nerve signals neurotransmitters. It is a condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. It has also been linked to fatique, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.
My personal reasons for sharing this with others is because i thought it would be helpful for those who have this same disorder fibromyalgia or any type of pain that i have and to be able to share this information with their family members or friends who do not understand it or know what it means or how we suffer with it. I hope you can pass this information to anyone who needs to know. There needs to be more awareness about it. If you don't know what it means to experience constant pain all of the time with little to no relief than try pinching your arm or hand real hard where you can barely take the pain and don't quit for 24 hrs. See how long it will take you to stop. That is what it is like with me and fibromyalgia, along with arthiritis, generative disc, constant chronic pain. The pain never stops. it subsides a little and for a little while with medication, stretching, water aerobics, etc. Then there is the depression and anxiety that comes along with it. The stress of trying to deal with it can sometimes be so unbearable that you would do anything for relief or for it to go away. When i complain about it to my pain doctor he said there is no cure for it so i basically need to tough it up and deal with it. yes i cried and yes i do need to find another doctor that has more compassion. This disorder keeps us from enjoying alot of things in life so people need to have some compassion for us and most of all love and patience. Know about it and please pray about it and pray for me and all who suffers with this.
Suffering with Fibromyalgia by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and Health
This what fibromyalgia is and what I suffer with on a day to day basis:
Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression and anxiety.
Fibromyalgia can develop on its own or along with other musculosketal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Causes:
The cause of this disorder is unknown. Physical or emotional trauma may play a role in development of the syndrome. Some evidence suggests that fibromyalgia patients have abnormal pain transmission responses.
It has been suggested that sleep disturbances, which are common in fibromyalgia patients, may actually cause the condition. Another theory suggests that the disorder may be associated with changes in skeletal muscle metabolism, possibly caused by decreased blood flow, which could cause chronic fatigue and weakness.
Others have suggested that an infectious microbe, such as a virus, triggers the illness. At this point, no such virus or microbe has been identified.
Pilot studies have shown a possible inherited tendency toward the disease, though evidence is very preliminary.
Men and women of all ages get fibromyalgia, but the disorder is most common among women aged 20 to 50.
Symptoms:
The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points. Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.
Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain that occurs with various types of arthritis. However, the significant swelling, destruction, and deformity of joints seen in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis does not occur with fibromyalgia syndrome alone.
The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe. Fibromyalgia sufferers tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness.
For some patients, pain improves during the day and increases again during the evening, though many patients with fibromyalgia have day-long, unrelenting pain. Pain can increase with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.
Treatment:
In mild cases, symptoms may go away when stress is decreased or lifestyle changes are implemented. A combination of treatments including medicaions, patient education, physical therapy, and counseling are usually recommended. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have found support groups helpful.
In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved Pregabalin Lyrica as the first drugh for the treatment of fibromyalgia. In June 2008, a second drug, Cymbalta, which was previously approved for treating depression, was FDA approved milnacipan (Savella) for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Certain classes of antidepressant medications are sometimes prescribed for the disorder. Studies show that antidepressants in low doses can decrease depression, relax craniofacial and skeletal muscles, improve sleep quality, and release pain-killing endorphins. Other medications that are used include anti-inflammatory pain medications that work on pain transmission pathways, such as Gabapentin.
Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding caffeine may help with problems sleeping, and may help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle measures to improve the quality of sleep can be effective for fibromyalgia.
Some reports indicate that fish oil, magnesium/malic acid combinations, or vitamins may be effective. Reducing stress and improving coping skills may also help reduce painful symptoms.
Improved fitness through exercise is recommended. Studies have shown that fibromyalgia symptoms can be relieved by aerobic exercise. Starting out slowly and gently can help ease you into an effective program you can stick with. Starting slowly helps stretch and mobilize tight, sore muscles. High-impact aerobics and weight lifting could cause increased discomfort. Symptoms may be relieved by gentle stretching and light massage, as well as acupressure, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.
Severe cases of fibromyalgia may require a referral to a pain clinic.
My condition of this is severe. I have been seen by a pain doctor in a pain clinic for 2 years. i am currently on seven different type of pain medications and one of them being Lyrica, i get anywhere from 10 to 15 injections every three weeks, i have physical therapy off and on, i do water aerobics and stretch exercising, heating pads, ointments, tense unit, hand massager, support group and church. I have had accupuncture and other types of pain medications that i am now immune to. There is so much to do just to get some relief that is very depressing for me and keeps me from being able to do alot. But i try to have a positive outlook and be grateful for everyday that i arise.
3 Tbsp. carrier oil (grapeseed or almond oils work well)
8 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops clary sage essential oil
4 drops chamomile essential oil
1 drop peppermint essential oil
Mix the potion well and apply to areas that are tender as needed. Keep the potion in a small amber bottle for future use. Store in a dark place as essential oils keep the longest when kept out of direct light.
Here since: Feb 20, 2012
Female, 32
Henrico, VA, US
Hello
This is my first time on this site. I have been searching online for help just as many of you on here do. I am a wife and mother of 3 children. My husband, oldest child, and I are disabled. We... see full post
Here since: Jan 30, 2012
Male, 61
not-for-profit, 501-c-3 disabilities organization dba
Austin, TX, US
Languages: English
We are the Center For People With Disabilities, Inc., a 501-c-3 not for profit organization based in Austin, Texas. We began in 2003 and were originally based in Galveston, Texas, relocati... see full post
